In a back-and-forth battle that featured multiple lead changes, Polk County Middle School dropped a heartbreaking 13-12 decision Thursday to Flat Rock Middle in Blue Ridge Conference softball action in Flat Rock.
The Wolverines (6-3) staged a remarkable comeback but fell just short as Flat Rock (3-4) rallied for two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to secure the win.
After falling behind early when Flat Rock plated four runs in the first inning, Polk Middle chipped away at the deficit. Aubrey Champion delivered an RBI single in the second inning to get the Wolverines on the scoreboard.
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Polk Middle added three more runs in the fourth inning, capitalizing on Flat Rock miscues. With two outs, Champion singled and Kayla Hayford was hit by a pitch. Consecutive errors on fly balls by Kenzie Alm and Kendall Taylor allowed Champion, Hayford and Alm to score.
Despite the rally, Flat Rock extended its advantage to 11-4 before Polk Middle began its furious comeback.
The Wolverines plated four runs in the sixth inning, all with two outs. Alm singled and stole second base before Tilly Harris drove her in with a single. Lucy Tessnair then delivered the biggest hit of the game, launching a home run to left field that scored two runs. Bella Lancaster followed with a double, stole third base and scored on a passed ball to cut the deficit to 11-8.
Polk Middle completed its comeback with four more runs in the seventh inning. Preslie Bradley was hit by a pitch and Champion collected her third hit of the day. After Hayford walked to load the bases, Alm doubled to drive in two runs. Harris then grounded out to bring home Hayford before Tessnair singled to score Alm and give the Wolverines a 12-11 lead.
But Flat Rock responded in its final at-bat, stringing together three singles to score two runs and snatch the victory.
Champion led Polk Middle’s offense, going 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Tessnair finished 2-for-5 with three RBI and a home run, while Alm went 2-for-5 with two RBI, three runs scored and a double. Harris contributed a hit and two RBI, while Lancaster added a double and two stolen bases.
The Wolverines return to action Monday, hosting Rugby Middle at 4:30 p.m. at Polk County Recreation Complex.
